Coach: Lee Mertz, 3rd season

2006 Season: 10-8-1 (6-6, 3rd-tie NEMC); lost in district title game

Returning Starters: Adam Dettmer, sr., (M); Josh Hodges, sr., (GK/D); Jon Jack, sr., (D); Mike Leveille, sr., (F); Tim Ruby, sr., (M); Danny Carlson, jr., (D); Ryan Clouse, jr., (D).

Outlook: The Owls turned a corner last season, putting up a winning season for the first time in several years. While it won't be easy to crack the top two of Tawas and John Glenn, which have dominated the league the past couple years, Oscoda does return eight starters and 10 other players from last year's team.

“Our strength is 'team' and experience,” says Oscoda coach Lee Mertz. “Our guys need to play with focus and discipline in order to compete with the top teams in the NEMC.”

Toward the end of last season the Owls were able to do that, losing to Tawas 2-1 and Glenn 2-0 in tough late-season matches after losing to the two frontrunners by a combined 13-1 earlier in the season.

The Owls will need to replace top scorer Ryan Mahalak and goalkeeper Kevin Ostrander in order to contend. Josh Hodges will step into goal after playing several games there last year. Mike Leveille, Mike Mertz and Adam Dettmer combined for 11 goals in league play last year and will need that total to increase that total.

Tough midfielder Tim Ruby also returns, while the defense will have plenty of experience with returning starters Jon Jack, Danny Carlson and Ryan Clouse fronting for Hodges.

Seniors Ryan Burke (midfield), Jon Hinojosa (defense), Dan Jurkiewicz (forward) and Jeremy Colborn (midfield) and juniors Kevin Palmer (midfield), Shane Ruyts (midfield) and Skyler Thurston (defense) also saw quality playing time last year and should play key roles.

“We expect to take our time and not look ahead,” Mertz says. “(We need to) focus on the present and play with discipline. Our positive experience from last season should be a learning experience and stepping stone for this season.”